"The Lakers have fielded calls for Howard and are keeping their options open. Multiple league sources believe that Kupchak is assuring Howard that he won’t traded just in case the team decides not to pull the trigger on a deal. If Howard is still on the roster on Feb. 22, the Lakers don’t want him knowing that they listened to offers for him because that could hurt their chances of re-signing the center this offseason."

"With 29 regular-season games remaining and the playoffs still in sight, Kobe Bryant is more determined than ever to prove he and the Lakers can become the force they thought they were.Whether center Dwight Howard is a part of that attempted revival doesn’t matter to Bryant, sources familiar with Bryant’s thinking told FOX Sports Ohio."

I don't see the Lakers dealing Howard because Gasol is out. The Lakers franchise has a lot of money tied into Kobe, and Gasol. They have the highest payroll in the NBA, and when the new lockout rules kick in. How can they keep Howard? I think Howard, and the Lakers will explore a sign, and trade in the off season.

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I also forgot to add whatever they do isn't going to help them win as long as they're stuck with gasol he's not as good as he used to be and doesn't match up with teams like okc ans mia or the spurs because he can't guard when they go small and he's not as good offensively nor do the lakers have the shooters for him to make passes to.

rcraig617 says...I also forgot to add whatever they do isn't going to help them win as long as they're stuck with gasol he's not as good as he used to be and doesn't match up with teams like okc ans mia or the spurs because he can't guard when they go small and he's not as good offensively nor do the lakers have the shooters for him to make passes to.

I agree with that. Gasol is basically out the rest of the regular season. They don't have enough to make a run, and that's even with Kobe.